| Beauty trends come and go, but the green | | | | take anywhere from a few seconds to several |
| approach to life is here to stay. Many beauty and | | | | minutes. Whatever the case, if you can manage |
| fashion companies are already on board with this | | | | to cut back on the frequency with which you |
| movement, but it's also up to us to vote with our | | | | wash your hair, you can save lots of water in the |
| wallets. And in addition to supporting | | | | long run. We all have different levels of scalp |
| environmentally friendly companies, there are | | | | oiliness, so we all have different shampooing |
| many things we can do in our everyday beauty | | | | needs, but keep in mind that going a couple of |
| routines to decrease our negative impact on the | | | | days without washing can actually add a nice |
| planet. Here are just a few tips to keep in mind. | | | | texture and a full body to your hair. Also, have |
| 1. Read labels closely: Because environmentally | | | | you ever tried dry shampoo? It may sound |
| friendliness is at such a high premium these days, | | | | funny, but it really works. |
| companies will go to great lengths to portray | | | | 4. Look for sustainable materials: Many products |
| themselves as green, sometimes without backing | | | | such as makeup brushes and lipstick containers |
| up this image with action. The only way to be | | | | are made from synthetic products that use a lot |
| sure is to start being one of those people who | | | | of resources in being produced. Try to go for |
| stands in the store aisles reading every word on | | | | more sustainable materials wherever you can. For |
| the labels of products. Avoid products with | | | | example, rather than buying synthetic makeup |
| phthalates and parabens, which can be toxic to | | | | brushes, look for brushes made of bamboo. |
| people and the environment. Also, be wary of | | | | There are many such sustainable products to be |
| words such as "natural" and "organic." While | | | | found online through a quick search. |
| they're sometimes accurate, some companies | | | | 5. Use natural moisturizers: Rather than using |
| throw them around just to get the PR points. | | | | those highly synthetic moisturizers made out of |
| 2. Reduce water usage: For every minute that | | | | oils comprising who-know's-what chemicals, invest |
| you allow the water to run, two gallons of water | | | | in natural moisturizers that are great for the |
| are used. When we're doing things like brushing | | | | environment while also making your skin soft and |
| our teeth or washing our face, much of the | | | | smooth. Be sure to read labels to make sure that |
| water that is allowed to run simply goes to | | | | the products you're considering actually conform |
| waste. Find less water intensive ways to wash up, | | | | to the latest green standards. Look for essential |
| and of course, don't let the water run as you | | | | botanical oils that are extracted from natural, |
| brush your teeth. | | | | organic varieties of seed. It may cost a little more |
| 3. Shampoo less frequently: Depending on how | | | | than standard moisturizers, but you'll be happy |
| long your hair is, shampooing and conditioning can | | | | with your choice. |